West Palm Beach Bicycle Accident Attorney

Bicycle Accidents

As more and more people take up cycling as their recreational sport or means of transportation, the percentage of accidents increase. According to the Florida Integrated Report Exchange System, between the months of January and July 2018, statewide, there were 3,468 bicycle crashes with 55 fatalities. From July to October, that number increased by an additional 1,756 bicycle crashes and 29 deaths.

CAUSES OF BICYCLE ACCIDENTS

As an avid cyclist, Steven Winig is acutely aware of the inherent dangers of cycling on public roads, even though a bike lane may be present. Everyone seems to have personal knowledge of a bicyclist who has been hit by a motor vehicle or involved in some type of cycling accident. In Palm Beach County, with approximately 1,931 cyclists on the road per day, there is a good chance of being involved in a vehicle / cyclist accident. The most common causes include:

A car or truck turning in front of the cyclist - either hitting the cyclist or forcing them off the road resulting in injury or death

A car or truck running into the back of the cyclist

Distracted driving on the part of the driver of either the motor vehicle or the cyclist

A car or truck not giving the cyclist the required three (3) feet of distance when passing

The cyclist not remaining in the bike lane

A cyclist running into another cyclist from following too closely

COMMON INJURIES SEEN IN BICYCLE ACCIDENTS

Injuries commonly seen can be as minor as "road rash" to bone fractures, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and even death. For many, the resulting injuries may prevent them from cycling again.

In addition, your bicycle may be severely damaged. Bicycles can range in price from $150 to over $10,000. Those damages may also be recovered through the use of an attorney experienced in bicycle accidents.

Safety Tips for Bicyclists

In order to minimize the chance of a cycling accident there are certain safety measures that all cyclists should follow

Safety requirements, according to Florida State Statute f.s.316.2065, are that between the hours of sunset and sunrise, all bicycles are required to have a front white light visible from a distance of 500 feet as well as a rear red light visible from a distance of 600 feet. Bicyclists are considered vehicles and cyclists must follow all rules of the road. All bicyclists under the age of 16 must wear a helmet that meets the standards of the American National Standards Institute.

Additional Safety Tips Include:

Wear bright, reflective clothing

Ride in single formation

Check your side mirror frequently to stay alert to your surroundings

Yield to pedestrians

Do not use headphones or wear anything that may impair your ability to stay alert to obstacles

WINIG LAW WANTS TO HELP

If you have been injured in a cycling accident, Winig Law has the knowledge and experience to ensure that you receive the compensation to help assist with your medical bills and potential lost wages. Additionally there are circumstances in which a claim can be filed with your automobile insurance to repair or replace the damaged bike. Call us today for a free consult.

Personal Injury Attorney Steven L. Winig, Esq. is a member of the Palm Beach County Bar Association, and is licensed to practice before all
Florida State Courts, as well as the United States District Courts for Southern and Middle Florida.
Winig Law routinely handles cases throughout Palm Beach County including West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Delray Beach, Wellington,
Jupiter, Palm Beach Gardens, Greenacres, Lake Worth, Royal Palm Beach and surrounding areas.Contact Us

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